Packers 2017 Recap: S Marwin Evans

Finishing the 2016 season as one of the few healthy members of the Packers’ secondary, Marwin Evans was poised for big things heading into 2017.

Even with returning veterans and a second round draft pick on the depth chart ahead of him, it was hard to imagine a player with the size (5-11, 211) and speed (4.47 in the 40-yard dash) not making at least something of a notable impact in his second year.

2017 Stats

Appeared in 16 games with one start (147 snaps on defense, 331 on special team

Expectations going into the season: LowExpectations were: Met

What we said last season

Packers 2016 Recap: S Marwin Evans – The injury bug bit Green Bay hard in the secondary, and Evans was called on to play 25 snaps in the NFC Championship Game after Brice was injured on the opening kick. His best moment in the game came on special teams, however, when Evans made a shoestring tackle of Mohamed Sanu after an onside kick to prevent a Falcons touchdown.

Next season, Evans will continue to jockey with fellow undrafted rookie Kentrell Brice for a roster spot. With Micah Hyde a free agent, it’s possible Evans may see the field more in 2017.

Analysis: Evans can’t contribute on defense but shows up as a special teams leader

Six safeties took snaps for the Packers at some point during the 2017 season. Of those six, Marwin Evans was one of just three to suit up for every game, and of those three, he made by far the least impact.

His 12 tackles were a far cry from the 56 posted by Josh Jones, and he was only involved in a play on the ball once all season, a single forced fumble. That’s far less than Ha Ha Clinton-Dix’s nine plays of that sort, including three interceptions and nine passes defensed.

Such a performance is something of a disappointment from Evans, especially considering the amount of playing time he got down the stretch in 2016 and the opportunities he had in 2017 due to injuries.

But special teams tells a far different tale.There, Evans was a force, recording nine special teams tackles in 2017, nearly doubling his total of five from a year ago. Evans led the Packers in tackles on special teams, even outpacing Jeff Janis, whose four tackles put him in a four-way tie for fourth place on the team.

While the Packers no doubt hoped for more from Evans on defense, special teams contributions are still a good way to make the roster, and Evans will head into 2018 with another chance to be a leader on that unit.